Thankful in the midst of trials

 Every year on the 1st Friday of November, GSF has a day of Thanksgiving.  We all gather to praise and worship God for all He has done for us.  We look to Him for our provision, protection, and help, and we take time to acknowledge all He has done.  

Last week, during our time of Thanksgiving, multiple individuals stood to give testimony to how God has worked in their lives.  There were two similarities in each of the testimonies.  The first one, of course, was how God had worked in a miraculous and gracious way.  The other similarity is often overlooked.  Each person who shared their testimony shared about heartache, tragedy, sadness, and trauma.  For each of them, they saw God in the midst of these instead of in the absence.  We often find God in trials. When life is good, we are grateful, but it is in the hard and bad stuff, we often see how God works.   It is in those heart-wrenching moments and excruciating long trials, that we find the miracles and the ways God works.  

40 days and counting down

Today was a beautiful day outside with the warm sun and the cool Ugandan forest breeze, but my heart wasn't as beautiful, and frankly most things didn't go as expected.  I had in my head that I would do this and this, and it just didn't go like that.  

My main goal today was to get the proper permission for one of our students to go to an already scheduled doctor appointment in Kampala tomorrow.  He needs to go to receive the much needed medicines and tests.  However, getting the right letter took longer than expected as one very critical word was wrong on the first one sent to me by email, so it had to be done again by the only person in the doctor's office in Kampala and sent back to me.  I then went to print it and our 3 month old printer wouldn't turn on.  We couldn't get it fixed and finally went with plan C to get the much needed letter printed.  We then sent it to get a stamp from a government official but by the time our staff member got there, it the office was closed.  Fortunately there was a plan B and that worked, and the proper documentation was in the hands of the student's escort at 6pm.  

I'd like to say my heart and soul were at peace the whole time, and I stood firmly on the promises that I hold dear and know to be true.  However, I wavered and struggled to know that God had this and was more concerned for this student than I was.  He is mindful of me, even when I am not of Him.  He cares for even the smallest detail and often uses those details to strengthen my faith.  

Thank you for praying for us.  I pray you are encouraged that God is mindful of you!

Ways to pray for us:

• Pray for safety and favor for the student mentioned. 
• Pray for unity among our staff as we continue to figure out how to function during this time.
• Pray as we have several key people whom we need here on campus especially medical personnel.  
• Pray for a friend who had covid three weeks ago and is continuing to struggle with related health problems.
• Pray that God's promises will be the background music of our hearts.

41 days and counting down

 Father's Day on Lockdown and an update

Mark talking on the phone to Titus for Father's Day

Today feels like a reprieve as we rest and enjoy Father's Day.  As tomorrow will be the first working day after the announcement of complete lockdown, it will probably be busy with finding out what all this means, and how we will function for the next 6 weeks.  There will be decisions to be made and questions still left unanswered, but for now we rest, knowing there is nothing we can do or should do today but rest.  We have heard that the Covid task force in our district is meeting today and will have some directives for us in the coming days, but for now we rest.   I believe tomorrow some of the dust will settle so we just sit in the haze hoping tomorrow will be clearer.  

Earlier last week, I asked Mark if he wanted to go somewhere in our district for Father's Day since we couldn't go to Jinja due to the previous restrictions.  Fortunately he had said "no" - sine we could not have gone anywhere anyway.  So we made a big breakfast here and enjoyed watching a sermon of his choice.

Caralina and Rebecca are both here.  Caralina stayed for the summer hoping to spend more time in Jinja with missionary kids there and work on her online classes. So for now she is here at GSF working on classes.  When the first restrictions came out, Rebecca decided to come out here to sew and do projects from here.  We also have two interns staying on campus for the summer.  They and our two girls have been a blessing to have around.  

How to pray:

• Pray for Uganda's government leaders including our Buikwe District for wisdom and unity.
• Pray for clarity and unity tomorrow.
• Pray that each of us will know our role and what God has for us during this 6 weeks.
• Pray that we will know how to reach out to our community.

Thank you for praying for us and keeping up with Uganda and Good Shepherd's Fold.  

Amy

Day 42 and counting down

"God is our help and our shield,"  Mark reminded me as we prepared to go to sleep, "He will guide us tomorrow, but for now, we must sleep."  The President of Uganda spoke last night giving more measures which essentially puts the entire country on lockdown as the cases of covid-19 are on an upward spike.  It seems necessary but also very difficult on the entire country.  

Last night, I didn't want to even think of the ramifications for us and GSF but today is a new day and we are beginning to process what all this means.  It'll still take a few days, and even the president said some things will be clarified in the next few days.  But here's what we do know, and what we'd ask you to pray for.  

What we know:

• We will be here at GSF for the next 6 weeks and likely not leaving, and at this point there are only three of us on the leadership team (comprised of 22 Ugandan staff and missionaries) who are living and working on campus.  
• Cargo and delivery vehicles can move.  GSF has a cargo truck, and we work with someone else who has a delivery vehicle and so we will be able to send for and receive supplies. 
• Travel for medical care is allowed.
• Many of our staff will not be able to travel to come to work.

How to pray:

• For God's protection on Uganda and that the cases will reduce.  
• Wisdom regarding how to reach out to our neighbors and students.
• Wisdom for direction of the ministry during challenging times.  

We plan to keep an update here throughout the lockdown so check in regularly or follow us on instagram where we will post when there is an update.  

Amy

words of the year 2019 and 2020

I used to always forget my word of the year by February 🤦, until 2019 when God so obviously gave me the word release in early January as He knew I needed to trust Him fully through the many trials of the year.  With the word release, I found a God who is so faithful and I fell in love with Him all the more.  

This year, my word is presence (or being present).  I want and need to learn to be all here and not in the past or future!  2020 brings milestones and changes (empty nest, 25th wedding anniversary and turning 50) that I know of and I am sure ones I don't know about yet.  I want to dwell and trust (there seems to be a theme!) in my faithful God in the present moment and experience presence.  

#wordoftheyear #release #presence

Gifts in Adversity

Mark out on a canoe during our time away.

The last year has been a difficult season for us.  Deception of former employees, legal issues, complaints at the labor office, the violent break-in to GSF at our house and our neighbor's house and major surgery all were a part of the last 12 months.  This week marked 6 months since the break-in and 6 weeks of recovery from my surgery. 

The former employees and the attackers at GSF took many things ranging from trust and sense of security to wedding rings.  However, I want to reflect on the many things that they could not take and how, even because of their acts, those other things have been strengthen and realized all the more. 

✨Faith - Our faith in the God who sees and goes before us has been challenged and strengthened.  We have at times wondered where He was, just as the Psalmist many times asked.  He has been so faithful to show us, and our faith has increased.

✨Trust - I am definitely an anxious soul who has difficulty trusting. God has so often asked me this year, "do you trust me?" Ironically in the midst of difficult and scary situations, I've learned to trust Him more.  Although our trust in some people was taken, our trust in a sovereign God has strengthened.

✨Community - In the different situations mentioned above we have had people come alongside us.  We have felt love and concern from those we know and those we didn't know.  We had employees, missionaries and friends who stood with us and walked with us during each situation as we were in this together.  There are many of you, when you heard of the break-in or the surgery, who wrote, prayed, gave and shared with others our need.  People we had never met before encouraged us in a multitude of ways. Because of the surgery, we now have a community of friends in South Africa who were so kind and loving to us during that time.   Although our sense of security may never be the same, our sense of community has deepened.

✨ Empathy for ourselves and others -  I feel we have "walked a mile" in others' shoes and have a greater empathy and compassion for those hurting or going through traumatic circumstances.  We have also learned to give ourselves more grace and empathy understanding we are needing to heal and rest. 

✨ A stronger marriage - Our wedding rings may have been taken away, but our love for one another has grown.  We've always had a strong marriage and the adversity has multiplied it.

Thank you to the many who are praying with us. 

He was there

What do people see in me?

Several days ago, our social worker, Loyce, and I went to the offices for our district to get some paperwork turned in and to greet our district social worker called a probation officer.  Since I had been away, I had not seen her or spoken with her for 7 or 8 months, so it was important to go see her.  We greeted her and spoke in her very small office about some concerns of several people in the community.  During our conversation, a man walked in and stood there until we were getting ready to leave.  As we were saying our good-byes, he asked the probation officer if she was going to introduce us.  The probation officer seemed hesitant but told him who we were and we shook hands. Loyce was hesitant to shake his hand but when he reached out, she also shook his hand.  We said good-bye and headed home.  On our way home, I was told why the probation officer and Loyce were uneasy with this man.  Loyce told me that he was a witch doctor. You never know what you are going to respond in a situation like that.  My first thought was, "Man, I wish I would have said 'God bless you!'"

I sat there in the van wondering how often I don't even think about who I am greeting.  I don't think who the person really is that I am encountering and that they need Jesus.  I don't know if I have ever meet a witch doctor or not.  I don't know how many of you ever will.  But I have met a lot of people who are hurting and in despair.  I have met people who are unaware of their need for a Savior.  And so often I am so caught up in my world that I forget that I am to be a light in this broken world.

The man I met had no visible signs of being a witch doctor - no feathers or animal skins or magic potions in hand.  In the same way, most people do not have visible signs of being broken, hurting or lost.  But do believers have visible signs of hope, joy and peace?

Senior charge and a fun little story

Katie Fox, right out of college and newly married, prayed for a mentor and asked her pastor to help.  He matched her with Mark's mom. As they talked and prayed together, the subject of missions and Africa came up frequently.  Mark's mom suggested that Katie and her husband Cody contact Mark.  Long story short, Katie and Cody came on a 6 week trip and eventually moved to Uganda and GSF.  Katie now has a mentoring group of her own at GSF.  Two of those girls in her group are Megan and Caralina, her own mentor's granddaughters!  Isn't God good?  

Katie and her "cord group" that she mentors

When planning the graduation, Caralina's teacher told her she needed to ask someone to speak at graduation and give her a "charge".  Caralina asked Katie.  Katie's charge was so beautiful that I asked her if I could have it to put on the blog.  Here it is below:

I tried to write a fancy speech. I even Googled “Charges.”  I backed up my points with scriptures and incorporated verses…But it just didn’t seem right. Not here when I have a unique opportunity to say this to one person rather than an entire class of students. 

Then there is the thought process that since this is for one person, I could talk about all of her accomplishments, how AMAZING she is, how she loves God, serves at children’s church, is working to raise funds for Sharon’s heart, spends her time with the children who have special needs, and takes beautiful pictures that capture the heart of the ministry here…but if I went on and on for too long, she would be very uncomfortable…maybe even a little bit embarrassed with so much attention.   So I have not written a speech, or charge, or any other document, but instead this is my prayer for Caralina in this time of graduation and transition. 

I pray that you know and remember many things.

            I pray that you…

                        Know how loved you are

Here

In America

By your family,

By your friends,

Through your blog

                        Remember where home is

It is with the people you love and not any specific place

                        Remember all you have already accomplished

You are NOT a missionary kid but a kid who IS a missionary How you have poured your heart into this ministry at GSF

You have already been making Lina’s Legacy for a long time

Know that being different is ok

 It’s good actually.

 There is no normal

                        Know that who you are is AWESOME

                        Know what you believe and why

Always have an answer for your faith

                        Remember when you’re not sure, that it’s ok to call home…a lot…

                        Remember that no one else really knows what they are doing either

I pray for your future.

            I pray that you…

Take chances

Not the dangerous ones

 Take some chances when you are unsure

Forgive yourself

Laugh

Never Stop Learning

Guard your heart/ Choose good friends

                        Love both cultures for exactly what they are

Learn more about yourself

Your gifts

Talents

Likes/dislikes

Strengths/weaknesses

Don’t stress TOO much about school

Have a mentor

A little older and wiser to guide and help you

Walk through the doors God has for you

                        Continue to grow in your walk with God

                        Have clarity of His plans for your life

                        Have Peace, joy, and hope present in your heart

In conclusion:

Thank you for being a blessing to those around you. For loving others well. For being a peacemaker and a joy to this school.  Thank you for the example you set to both adults and children in how you live your life.  I think I speak for all of us that we are so proud of what you have accomplished in your time here and look forward with great excitement to what you will accomplish in the future.

Women's Day invitation

We had a meeting several weeks ago with some government officials.  The government official over our sub-county (here he is called the LC3) was there and is becoming a great friend to GSF, and we are grateful.  As he was leaving, he asked me to be the speaker at the sub-county women's day event. Although, it is out of my comfort zone, I truly feel like this opportunity is from God.

Women's day is an international day celebrating women and is on March 8th.  Districts, organizations and sub-counties will all have celebrations that day.  Most celebrations will have lots of music and dancing and a traditional meal.  It is an event full of pride and celebration and I am humbled that I was asked.  I will wear the traditional wear for Uganda and particularly this tribe that lives around here to honor and respect the people here.  I will post pictures afterwards.

Would you please pray for me that my words will clearly speak God's love and His gospel to the women there?   Pray also that God will be honored and that at the end of the day, He will be seen and remembered more than my white skin and blonde hair.

Thank you for praying!

Today they graduated!

Kindergarten graduation always has seemed like a cute little ceremony with little significance.  But today I experienced one that reminded me of God's redemption; His ability to use all things for His glory; and His amazing love for children.  Here are 8 little, yet incredible stories of God's redemption that He has allowed our family to watch and experience...

One year ago, as a seven year old little girl, she was the primary caregiver for her dying mother. Seven months ago, she attended school for the first time in her life.  Today she graduated from kindergarten and although she began 1/3 of the way into the school year, she finished in the top 3 of her class.
________________________

Three years ago she came to GSF with her older sister and younger brother because her mother has severe and uncontrollable seizures.  Today she graduated from kindergarten also in the top 3 of her class.
__________________________

A year and a half ago, we were told about a 10-year-old girl in a hospital with severe wounds on her feet that prevented her from walking.  After investigations, she was brought to GSF as a step down from hospital care because we have nurses on site and medical expertise accessible.  However, as time went on, it has been discovered that she has a rare genetic disorder that we are still trying manage.  But today, she graduated from kindergarten and gained respect and admiration from many in a place where a disability of any kind is seen as a curse and disadvantage.

___________________________

When Mark and I came to visit GSF 7 years ago, a little guy arrived very malnourished and from a dysfunctional family.  Yesterday after years of investing in the family and sending him for visits, our social worker resettled him with his family.  Today, he walked to GSF with his family and he graduated from kindergarten!
___________________________

Five years ago, a little boy was abandoned in a big town close by.  As time went on, it was realized that this little boy was high on the spectrum of autism.  Several angels - short-termers, visitors and teachers -  worked to find techniques to help him learn.  And today, he graduated from Kindergarten.
__________________________

Three years ago, his father died and his little brother was in the hospital due to malnutrition.  Last week, his mother showed up again and is ready to have the boys for the holiday and begin rebuilding her life.  Today, he graduated from kindergarten.
___________________________

Five years ago, a very malnourished little boy arrived at GSF.  Throughout the years, his family has neglected their responsibilities and he has struggled with learning disabilities but today he graduated from Kindergarten.
____________________________

Three years ago, her father died in a motorcycle accident.  This little girl lives at GSF, because her mother has had difficulty providing a stable home life.  Today, her mom came to GSF and even brought a gift for her daughter who was graduating from kindergarten.

Island Ministry

I had the opportunity to minister with a group of pastors and church leaders on Namitale Island on Thursday.  It was a cool experience.  There is no electricity or running water on this small island of maybe 3,000 people.  The only vehicles I saw were a boda (Motorbike) and massive new earth mover.  They told me that the bulldozer was brought over on a ferry in order to make roads on the island.  There was indeed a good dirt road, but no evidence of vehicles to travel on it.  I guess they are preparing for the future!

Mukene laid out to dry by the lakeshore.

The day started by picking up a few men near GSF.  These had been trained in Bible overview and inductive Bible study for several months at GSF in 2013.  Upon completing that study, God opened a door for us to "go and make disciples" (our study theme) in Kiyindi, a fishing village an hour's drive from GSF.  We just finished up our 6-month study with a group from several churches in this village.  Along the way, I've learned that Kiyindi is the gateway to the islands (there are 52 islands in the chain nearest to this area).  It is also the harvest point for mukene (silverfish), which is a favorite food of many Ugandans.  The road to Kiyindi is rough and the atmosphere of this thriving fishing town is dark, but there is Light shining in the darkness.

We launched out to Namitale from Kiyindi at about 10:30 AM, singing as we went.  Several men and women from the Kiyindi discipleship group joined us as our hosts for the day.  We were 15 people in all.

Pastor Stephen Tenywa has been reaching these islands for several years, but he has come alive with passion as he began to learn how to accurately handle the Word of Truth through our studies.  He started another discipleship group at a church on Namitale 5 weeks ago.  This is the dynamic of making disciples!

About 30 people gathered for training on the island.

I was taught 12 years ago by my friend, Tim Miller (Disciple The Nations).  Tim has since written a book (30x60x100) which is the guide for our study groups here.  I've trained two groups of church leaders so far.  Now one of them has started another group elsewhere.  Other men are also planning to go and share the gospel in this way.  This is the instruction of 2 Timothy 2:2, "The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

Our training for the day was held in a small, mud structure (pictured left).  We were joined by about 15-20 people from Namitale and neighboring islands.  Some of the other pastors taught brief sessions from our studies and gave testimonies of how it was transforming their ability to teach the Word of God.  I shared a message about making disciples.  Then we had a short break before I led the next session, an overview of Old Testament history from Ruth through the kings and up to Ezra/Nehemiah.

Moses (left) grew up at GSF and translated for me.

I finished with a favorite teaching from Malachi 4:6 (the last words of the OT), connecting to Luke 1:17 (purpose of John, opening the NT).  These passages both talk about God's desire to "turn the hearts of father's to their children."  This is a much needed message here in Uganda!  It also helps to demonstrate the connections within the entire Bible, which is one of the main points of our study.  The Bible is intricately interwoven, not a mere compilation of nice stories.

Launching the boat back into the water for the return journey.

Pastor Stephen and his wife (left) are our hosts in Kiyindi.  Pastor Moses (next to me) has a church near GSF.

The people graciously served us a lunch of fish, rice and posho when we concluded at 4:00 p.m.  Of course we had fish – we're on an island!  They asked me whether I preferred the head or the tail.  Not enjoying it when my food is looking at me, I chose the tail.


A rain storm blew in during lunch and we could see white caps all over the lake, so our return journey was delayed a bit.  Once the storm passed, we launched out again.  The praise and worship singing carried us the entire journey back to Kiyindi.  We said farewell to our brothers there and returned home.  What an amazing day!

Praise to our God of transformation

I've always loved stories!  I especially love true stories, because I know the author of those stories and he is the greatest.  He is incredible at weaving redemption into every story.  One of the best things about living and working where we do, I see, hear and/or experience some incredible stories.  Here is one of those stories:

In August of last year, I got a phone call from a friend who runs another special needs home in the area.  She told me about a little girl who was abandoned outside of the large mental hospital in Kampala.  The hospital was looking for a home to take her in.  We agreed to take her in and quickly realized we had a very sullen, withdrawn, autistic little girl whose few words made us cringe as they seemed to indicate the story of her young life.  It was obvious that this little girl was in need of some tender loving care. 

The mothers in the toddler house took on the challenge in a beautiful way and allowed God to use them to be His hands and feet in her life.  They picked up on her ways quickly and learned what helped her and what gave her joy.  As she began to feel secure in her environment and loved by the ones around her, her vocabulary began to change and this little withdrawn girl began to accept and even desire being held and loved.  

A few days ago, I sat amazed at this transformation, as she crawled on my lap and leaned in for a kiss from me.  She began to laugh and lean in over and over again for hugs and kisses.  It was amazing and that can only come from the Author of Life and the Craftsman of Redemption.

Always A Family

About a year ago, Mark got a phone call early one morning.  A mom had died in the village and had left 4 children; one was a six month old baby.  They wanted to know if we could take the baby.  Over the next few days, along with the burial for the mother, investigations took place and the two youngest children came to live at GSF.  The baby, Maria was sickly and needed much care.  We eventually realized she had TB and then she got malaria and eventually she died.  The second child - a quiet 4 year old boy named Dennis - found his home in the GSF toddler house.  He was very introspective with a hint of mature sadness when he was taken to the burial of his baby sister at the house where his mother died.  

After  a couple of months, it was discovered that his persistent cough was probably tuberculous. We wrestled with what to do for this sweet one.  We prayed and consulted many. He couldn't stay in a house full of toddlers who were susceptible to getting the disease. We eventually realized that God had opened a place for him in our home.  So he moved in to our house and learned to like spaghetti sauce over rice and to quote "I do not like them Sam-I-am!"   When the alarm on my phone would go off every day at noon to remind me of his medicine and lunch, he would say, "time for eats!"  We all got used to his little routines, and our house seemed empty without those routines when he moved back with the toddlers.  

When this little guy had moved into GSF, the father promised that by December he would take all the children up north to family, land and home.  But by the end of the year, he still did not have the money so a plan was put in place to help him save.   The father and the other two children came regularly to see Dennis, to sit quietly together, to laugh and smile.  Then one day a couple of weeks ago, another man came with them.  He introduced himself as the brother to Dennis' dad.  This uncle had not heard from this little family in the sugar cane field for a long time and was concerned.  He finally found a phone number of someone who lived close to the family.  He called and found out the story that none of the family up north knew about--about Maria and her mamma dying.  Heartbroken, he told the family and then came with the purpose of bringing the family back together.  

So this weekend, our social worker and Dennis made the long journey to see his family, as his dad and older siblings had done a couple of weeks before.  They found a moderate home with a loving family who had already enrolled the other two in school.  So Dennis was resettled with his family.  He is now at his family land and home many kilometers away, but to tell you the truth, he still has family here.  He has lots of brothers and sisters who were asking me questions yesterday about his leaving!  There were mammas, teachers, and aunties asking about his welfare and sad to see him leave.  My kids made sure they went to say good-bye.  We all will miss him and will be eager to hear how he is doing.  That is the beauty of GSF and of God's family.  . . no matter where you go, you are still a part of the family!

70 Kilos of meat - power = eternal life

For Christmas every year the men on the farm slaughter a cow.  They usually do it early so all 92 staff members can take some home.  The rest is left in a freezer for Christmas eve and Christmas day dinners.  Our staff party was on the 20th so the cow was slaughtered that day.  The remaining 70 Kg (150lbs) was put in the freezer at the central kitchen. This would all be fine but our power had been out for most of December.  Check out this blog post to see the details.   As our power, thus the freezer, is only on 8 hours in a 24 hour period, the meat never completely froze.

So, on Sunday morning (a couple of days after the staff party), one of the house moms came to me in a frenzy to tell me that the meat was going bad.  It wasn't bad yet but it was on its way.  Which meant we had to go to village life mode or what we would call colonial life mode.  Roasting and salting the meat every day until Christmas.  The moms all had to go down to the kitchen and work together to save 150 lbs of beef!  This meant none of the moms would be able to help with junior church.  So  I grabbed "What God wants for Christmas" box and walked up to the house where all the kids were gathering.  One of the older girls was there to help with crowd control.  I began the story but before I got to box #1, all the boxes had been opened and overturned by one of the boys.  I had to pray, clean up and begin again.

So we went through the Christmas story and God's plan and desire for us to give our life to Him.  We discussed and I invited any and all to pray if they wanted to give their lives to Him.  Many acted willing and excited to do so until I told them the alternative was to go to the playground.  All choose the alternative and ran down to the playground except these two little guys:

Festo, age 7 and Matthew age 8 live in the same house and were both obviously ready to ask forgiveness of sin.  They both readily told me that they had sinned and gave an example.  Now, Matthew has cerebral palsy and has a difficult time communicating but it was obvious he was confessing and wanting to repent of his sin.

Praise God with us for these two guys! Pray that we would disciple them well.  Pray that they will be young men who will change their world for Christ.  We are grateful that because of a bunch of rotting meat, God brought about a life changing day for these guys!


Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. John 6:27

Finding my way in the dark

We live in a dark place and as of recent it has gotten darker.  It is a dark place both literally and figuratively.
In the last 4 or 5 months, the power lines in our area have been cut 4 times.  And when the power lines are cut, we are without electricity until the company can come out and repair the lines.  The first two times weren't a huge deal, the company came out within the first few days put up new poles and cable and our power was restored.  In fact the 2nd time, the poles were on our property so Mark and 20 other men helped put them back up.  The 3rd time was 3 weeks ago.  About a week ago, after the power had still not been restored, they informed us that they didn't have enough cable and didn't know when they would.  A couple of days ago, we got word that MORE poles were cut and cables stolen.  We have been told that our district has a real problem with power pole vandalism.  So literally, we live in a dark place.

As it has been 3 weeks since we had no power, we have learned some coping skills.  We do have a generator so it is turned on at 2-3 hour intervals during the day; so we have electricity for 8 hours in a 24 hour period.  The power goes off at 10 pm for the night, so we have learned to get everything done by then.  We have flashlights by our beds and candles posted all around the house.  The refrigerator doesn't stay cold enough but the freezer is still staying strong, so I put a bottle of water in the freezer during the day and put in the refrigerator to help keep things cool during the long night of no power.  We are learning to cope but we also hope and pray for power and light soon!  

It is also a very dark place figuratively,   We get word often of  curses, witchcraft and demons.  We deal on a regular basis with cases of child abuse, neglect, abandonment and incest.  We get overwhelmed at times by the news that comes in from the villages surrounding us.  Overwhelmed with a desire to make things right, overwhelmed with "I wish it wasn't this way", overwhelmed with hopelessness.  We figuratively live in a very dark place.  

So do we learn to just cope in this dark place?  Learn to become apathetic to the tragedy all around us and do nothing?  Oh it is so tempting!  But just like having flashlights and candles around, we need to have the Word of God--the truth planted firmly in our hearts.  I am grateful I have the Word of God and His Spirit to guide and comfort me in the darkness.  However, I must also share that light with others.  

We ask you to pray for us in this dark place.  Pray for wisdom in loving those in darkness and sharing His light to them.   Pray as we teach others to share their light as well.  We ask specific prayer for the local pastors and church leaders that they will know the truth and share it with others.  Mark has the opportunity to train local pastors how to truly study their Bible and to disciple others in the Word of God.  We ask that you pray for that training.  

Overall, we ask for prayer for the light to shine brightly here in our district both literally and figuratively.  

To Him who hung on the cross and rose for me

When reports come of a little boy watching down the road, waiting for his daddy to come home, we shake our heads in sadness knowing that a daddy has abandoned his family.  Our hearts and our souls ache and we know our trust cannot be in man.  We must look to the cross.  We must hold on to the promises that come from looking to the cross and the Savior that hung there.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

I am aghast as my friend relays the unthinkable nightmare she witnessed today involving a 2-year-old little girl and a young boy.  My heart lurches within me.  Evil is prevalent in the world; we need a savior.  Praise the Lord, we have a Savior.

“For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” Col. 1:13-14

The story is told to me of two children whose mother died soon after childbirth and the father is suffering from an unexplained illness.  The doctors cannot find the cause, and those around are convinced it is from a curse.  All I know is that those little boys do not have the privilege to be loved on by their mom and dad.  But praise God they have a Father who purchased them through the cross. 

“He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of His glorious grace with which he has blessed us in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-6

As I ponder the events of the day, I am made aware of my own sins and inadequacies.  I feel my soul sinking to despair; evil seems to have won.  There is nothing I can do for any of these situations save the cross.  Look to my Savior!  Evil has not won.  Redemption has come and there is victory in looking to Him who hung on the cross and rose for me.

“God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'”  I Corinthians 1:28-31

I stand amazed!

Dealing with the medical system here in Uganda can at times be very frustrating and a nightmare, but fortunately, we are also so often reminded of our God who is in control.  I have experienced much the last few weeks as we had 3 children at GSF who had surgeries in 2 weeks.  The most extensive surgery was Kathy's colostomy.

Our nurses spent time talking to the surgeon and getting information about where to take her, when to take her and what to expect.  I called the financial assistant at the hospital to ask questions about the cost and to arrange payment.  We arranged transportation and picked an awesome caregiver Christine, our special needs helper, to be with her during her 7 days hospital stay.  We confirmed that food would be provided for the two.  So on the appointed day, they went, the nurse, Christine and Kathy.  They spent all day there waiting for the surgeon to come so he could do the proper paper work to admit them.  At 4:50 pm they called to tell me that the hospital would not admit her because we didn't send enough money.  So I frantically called my financial assistant friend who would be getting off at 5, and she sweetly went to find our trio to help them be admitted for the night and our nurse to return home.

The next day as we were awaiting news of the surgery, our nurse told me that she was told that the pair wouldn't be getting food at the hospital.  She had given Christine some money to help for a couple of meals.  So I agreed to call my financial assistant friend to make sure their meals were provided.  The day continued and news came in periodically about Kathy and her surgery.  She did well and rested through the afternoon.  I kept informing everyone who was praying.  There were also various issues at the land so I kept very busy.  At 5:10 pm, I got a message from our child care manager, "Christine doesn't have money or food for supper."  I totally forgot!  I had made a commitment to ensure our sweet caregiver for Kathy would have meals and I blew it!  Messed up.  I knew the financial office was closed for the day, but I tried the phone anyway.  Yep, no luck, no answer.  I started to pray and asked others to pray.  I couldn't have Christine go without food because of my mistake.

I have two friends who live and have connections in Kampala.  I asked if they could get money to Christine or knew anyone who could.  Both were trying to help.  One of my friends, Julie realized the hospital was close to where one of her friends lived.  She said she would call and see if her friend could walk over to the hospital and give Auntie Christine the money.  A few minutes later, Julie called me back to tell me the incredible news.  Her friend was walking NEXT TO the hospital when Julie called her and would go in and give the money to Christine!  Incredible.  This is not a large hospital that spans a block or two but a tall very skinny building, so that she was walking right by it is amazing.  God is good.

I found out later that this sweet lady went in with another friend and prayed with Christine and Kathy.  They not only gave her money for food but encouraged her soul.  I was able to call the next day and arranged for Christine and Kathy to receive food from the hospital.  I stand amazed again at a God who knows.  He is a God who provides in spite of our faults, shortcomings and sins.

Truth

Yesterday I went to encourage her to wash her clothes, brush her teeth and take care of herself, as I had been told she was not.   At one point to explain more why I was encouraging her, I said, “I love you.” 

She turned and glared at me, “You don’t love me.  I don’t believe it, and many others don’t believe it.  . . But I am not going to tell you who.”

My heart lurched and ached.  I wanted to argue, remind her of all the ways I have shown love.  I wanted to tell her how much I truly loved her, but I knew my words were not going to speak truth to her in that moment.  So, I just said, “I don’t need to know who, I know the truth.”  And in my heart I was crying out to the One who is truth.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

This weekend, another one of our teens struggled with the lies from her past.  “My mom’s brain stopped working, and my grandma told me mine would too.  Last night, I was afraid that my brain had stopped working.”  We reminded her of truth.  That God is the only one who knows her body, her mind and her brain.  He protects, He heals, and Jesus is her Savior.  We talked of her salvation, quoting scripture and reading God’s word.  As we prayed, as we sang to God, as we read scripture, she found peace and freedom from the only one who could give it.

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH will set you free.’” John 8:31-32

Last evening, Mark and I sat in the living room with most of the girls age 5-14 at GSF.  Mark told them how beautiful they are to God and to us, and how God will use them for His kingdom.  I looked around the room at these beautiful little ladies in the making.  The world has been full of lies for them . . .  some have been abandoned, some abused, and some have had family members lie saying they didn't belong to them.  All have felt unloved and unwanted at times.  They need the truth; we all need the truth.  When we get overwhelmed with the lies and circumstances of the sin-filled world around us, we need to be guided in His truth.  All girls bowed their heads and prayed this verse together:

“Lead me in your TRUTH and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5

The lies are there; they linger in our minds and prevent us from seeing the truth.  The truth that God is not giving up on us—He loves us!  The lies keep us from telling others of His great love and from accepting it ourselves.  How many times have I not loved someone well or told them the truth of God’s Word because I also believed the lies.  May God ever teach us His truth!

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your TRUTH; unite my heart to fear your name.” Psalm 86:11

A special thank you to Heather Grace Photo (http://heathergracephoto.com/)

GSF Vision Statement

The GSF missionary team was recently encouraged to develop a Vision Statement – a simple, concise statement of WHY we are doing what we are doing here.  We have a Mission Statement and we have worked in the past on vision, strategies and self-evaluation.  But when asked about why we are here and what is our overall vision, we were lacking.  Not that we were wandering aimlessly, we just didn't have a unifying statement.

The missionary team began considering this and our Ugandan management team was invited to join in.  A day of fasting and prayer was set aside as we asked God to make His Vision known to us, to clarify our direction and work.  Input was invited from this group of 20 leaders at GSF and we compiled a list of 23 words, phrases and statements that define GSF.  On Thursday, 19 September 2013, ten of us gathered to discuss and work through it together.  In the end, we came up with the following statement, the Vision for Good Shepherd's Fold:

MAKING DISCIPLES, IMPACTING THE WORLD FOR CHRIST

This is why GSF exists.  As we evaluated all the input there were 5 key words that emerged as themes:  Discipleship, Family, Children, Word of God and Proclaiming.  The Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 was read and we discussed the emphasis of our Lord on making disciples and going out to the whole world.  As Claudia Arango and David Malisi shared about the history of GSF and the vision of the Founders, Wayne and Bonnie Sue Walker, discipleship again was the emphasis along with the idea that the children of GSF were to be trained and sent out beyond GSF, even beyond Uganda.  Our team further discussed the ways that GSF is presently ministering, not only to the children in residence here, but also to school children, elderly, families with babies, staff members, pastors and the local church in our village.

An amazing thing to me is how God drew together the input of the leaders here at present, evaluating where we are now and where we feel God is leading us.  He brought in His own vision statement in the form of the Great Commission given 2,000 years ago.  And He revealed how the founders of GSF had this same vision on their hearts when GSF was established in 1994.  Past, present and future brought us to this statement that is very much "ours" - our own calling and instruction from God that makes is personal and exciting for us.  It is also much bigger than any of us individually and larger than GSF as a whole.  It's a God-sized task, just as it was for the disciples so long ago.

Recognizing the ways the Lord has already fulfilled this vision so much, we also humbly acknowledged that GSF has strayed away from the vision to some degree.  We had to confess that and renew our desire and intentional effort to put this vision into practice.  By God's Spirit and grace, we now endeavor to do that very thing – Making disciples, impacting the world for Christ – with greater fervor.

Please pray for us as we begin to share this fresh vision with our staff and children and as we strive to implement it into everything we do here.